Skype hardware

[Mutley]

My brother in law has moved to Switzerland and the wife wants to keep in touch with her little neice. He suggested we get Skype so we can talk for free

My question is what hardware should I get for the phone bi?

Also is it worth getting a web cam for video calls?

Cheers

 

[sparkplug]

I've never tried/bothered with the webcam. It depends if this is important to you I guess...

Hardware wise I've used a pc mic and standard speakers which works OK, I've used a USB 'phone' which works better but my favoured set up is the cheapest headset I could find at PC World (from the PCLine range I think and around £8)

I like it as it keeps your hands free (without having to clasp the phone between your shoulder and neck) for typing while you talk.

These all restrict you to being next to your computer (although with WiFi on a laptop it is possible to move from room to room, but it's not ideal) I know Mike Werner had some fantastic (expensive) WiFi handset which did Skype.

Horses for courses - depends how much you want to spend and how you want to use it.

Hope that helps

 

[sss]

i use an actiontec phone wizard, which sends skype calls to my normal land line handset, that way i can use the cordless and get skype calls without being tied to the computer

 

[Mike Werner]

These all restrict you to being next to your computer (although with WiFi on a laptop it is possible to move from room to room, but it's not ideal) I know Mike Werner had some fantastic (expensive) WiFi handset which did Skype.

Not that expensive... but works well since it's a DECT handset that I can take with me throughout the house. Works very well, but there are newer ones out which are better. The Skype/Netgear Wifi phone is really interesting, since you don't need a computer. It works on WiFi, meaning that you can take your handset with you and use it wherever you have Wifi, be it at an airport/station or even at someone's house.

The webcam on your computer is great, specially if you really want to see your niece. Kids love it !!!

 

[(RIP) Proff]

My son uses a wi fi headset plugged into USB port
diagnised a prob with his car by listening to it outside his house in Essex me in Devon
Skype has saved us £1000's whilst the kids were/are at UNI.
At home i just use speakers and a mic. cos 10/1 most folk need info that i need from 'pooter anyway
I also use Skype to call my mates mobiles in USA , cheaper than the landline to landline call

 

[Bødkerman]

I have been using a headset with mic to talk to 4 year old son when I am away.

He spends more time talking when he has a headset on than when holding a telephone.

Skype Out is also well worth using and it has saved us a fortune as my parents do not have a computer but we call them from the computer direct to their landline for next to nothing.

When I am away from Dk it is all done from a laptop using WiFi and as a family we love it.

 

[Mutley]

The webcam on your computer is great, specially if you really want to see your niece. Kids love it !!!

So can I just buy any old webcam or do I need a 'special' one?

 

[Fanum]

So can I just buy any old webcam or do I need a 'special' one?

As long as you get one with an in-built mic, you can get any.....a lot of us here (going by previous threads on the same anyway) use Logitech 4000 pro's or similar.....Mine gives a full screen perfect picture, and the sound is very very good......

If you get a cheaper one, it'll still work, but the picture quality will be all grainy and the sound tinny......expect to pay 40-70 quid for a decent webcam with in built mic